New faces, open places with 'Noles

Seeking a change in course after two 7-6 seasons, Florida State's football team has made at least one break in tradition. The Seminoles have opted for a 7 p.m. first practice today - forgoing the usual morning session - under the eyes of 33-year coach Bobby Bowden and his anointed successor, offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher. Here are three questions the Seminoles hope to answer before their Sept. 6 opener against Western Carolina:

1. Who will fill the early position voids?

With at least 10 Seminoles set to serve three-game suspensions resulting from the school's self-imposed penalties for academic misconduct, a number of untested players must contribute immediately. That's especially true on defense, where freshman tackle Moses McCray, freshmen linebackers Nigel Bradham, Vincent Williams and Nigel Carr, and junior-college transfer defensive end Markus White will compete for at least four starting spots.

2. Is Weatherford still the No. 1 QB?

With 33 career starts, senior Drew Weatherford has the experience edge over redshirt sophomore Christian Ponder. But Weatherford missed spring practice after arthroscopic knee surgery, and Ponder received all the first-team repetitions. The two will compete for the job, but you have to wonder what role Ponder's upside might play in Fisher's decision.

3. Can FSU win with young o-linemen?

With three spots open, the Seminoles almost certainly will start two freshmen, if not three, up front. Freshmen Andrew Datko, Zebrie Sanders and Rhonne Sanderson will receive long looks at tackle, along with redshirt freshman Antwane Greenlee. Redshirt freshman guard Will Furlong's only edge over true freshman David Spurlock is a year of practice.